Since Jesus’ time on earth, people have struggled to understand the idea of grace and works. We are used to the idea that you must do something to get something. Nothing is free, right? 

And when something is free, we think: “There’s a catch. It must be a scam!” 

However, God operates on a different principle, as does Jesus. Their every action is motivated by love, not conditions. Out of love, God sent Jesus to earth to bear the punishment for our sins in our stead. God sent Jesus to earth, out of love, so that He could bear the punishment for our sin in our place. It is not something we deserve, and we cannot buy or pay it off. 

When we accept Jesus as our Saviour, we receive all the benefits of His sacrifice: forgiveness, justification and new life. The punishment we had to bear has already been paid by Jesus on the cross. And it costs us nothing … except to accept it in faith. 

Sometimes people seem to accept the grace of God, which has been given to us for free, without being affected by it. It’s as if it doesn’t move them. But that’s exactly where the actions come into play. 

When you truly realise what God has done for you through Jesus, when the cross and the open tomb touch your heart, then you must be influenced. An inner transformation occurs, naturally leading to action. 

Then you want to do like Jesus. Then you want to give something back and show your gratitude. 11My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other. 

I had the privilege to plan his funeral together with my cousin. It’s a deeply emotional thing – to speak so openly and know: the sticker on his life packaging has been dusted off … the date is just around the corner. 

I asked him what scripture I should use. Without even thinking, he said: “The Good Samaritan, because our people need it. Our country needs it. We must learn to give and give, because we receive so much!” 

While he, like everyone, encountered setbacks, his generosity towards others remained constant. He extended help whenever it was within his power. He never hesitated to stop and help – no effort was too much for him. You could see it in the way he treated people all around him. 

Everything driven by love. A love that did not come from himself but was fueled by the love of his Creator. He saw that love, experienced that love, and then he couldn’t help but live it and truly make a difference. 

Maybe one day his children can write on his tombstone: This good Samaritan lived God’s love. 

May that be true of you and me one day. 

Scripture
1 John 4:7-21 

Reflection
What example of God’s love have you seen in someone else’s life?
How can you help someone today like my cousin did?
If people were to talk about your life one day, what would you want them to say? 

Prayer
Father, thank you for Your love flowing over me like a stream of water. Help me be like a pipe so that Your love can flow to others. Amen.